Christians have different visions of how to transform the political structures of the world. Some argue that change needs to come from the top down, with righteous leaders and believers in positions of power. Others believe that true political transformation swells from the ground upward, as average people's work and prayers rev the engines of political change.
Whether believers want to occupy political office to effect change or simply preach to it, we must all agree that the significance of the Christian message of the Gospel should be the center piece of a global conversation for change.
Change begins with a broken heart and grows to Passion
Where does change... the prospects of change begin? The human brain is a wonderfully complex organ, processing different kinds of information in different areas. For example, the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body and usually processes emotion. Scientists find ways to map where thoughts are processed, answering such questions as: “Where is romantic love located? It's not actually your heart … it's the basal ganglia region of the brain.” But have you ever noticed that some information, however important, never seems to register both intellectually and emotionally with humans?
The reality of poverty, war, and injustice in today's impoverished societies can seem like trivia, information that remains disconnected from reality. This is especially the case in developed, prosperous societies.
The desire to work for God's Kingdom must begin with a broken heart. A Christians desire to help others is grounded in the fact that while we didn't deserve anything, Christ still died on the cross to save us from our sins. Do you know someone who has sacrificed much for others?
The fact that God came to save the world, through Jesus, empowers Christians with significant responsibilities to work to bring “ change and peace” to the world. This responsibility must change our perspective. For example, when was you last time you focused on problems and issues that were not your own?
We must change our orientation... and begin thinking of the world's problems not as theirs but as ours. Before Christ... you lived in a “my” world. After Christ came into your life... all around us becomes a “we” world. What can “we” do to change the plight of the sick, homeless, and suffering? We don’t have to look far to find them... they are with us in every place, in every nation around the world.
The relationship of Christianity to political power is complicated by the reality of compromise. Politicians constantly barter and bargain for compromise on a variety of issues, while Christianity hopes to attain purity above all else.
The transforming power of God comes through love, not laws. As important as good laws are, just laws cannot substitute for a body that loves justice. It is not revolutions and upheavals that clear the road to new and better days for impoverished peoples, but someone's soul, inspired and ablaze with a love for God.
Finding, experiencing, trusting, embracing, and walking in the light of God’s love... that’s how people change. When people change... so goes the world.
